Sat Apr 17 2021
Franklin Khan 1958-2021
On the historic day of the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh, where . Trinidad and Tobago was represented at Windsor castle, Energy Minister Franklin Khan, died at home in Moka Heights, Maraval, north of the capital Port-of-Spain, in the foothills of the Northern Range.
Senator Franklin Khan, petroleum geologist was born in petroliferous Guayaguayare, near Mayaro, home of the iconic Atlantic gas industry. Senator Khan held a BSc Degree in Geology and Geography (1980) from the UWI Jamaica, and an MBA (2007) from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, UWI Trinidad)
He was president of the Geological Society of T&T, a director of the Water and Sewage Authority 1986-1990 and chairman of National Petroleum Marketing Co Ltd 2001-2002 after two decades in the energy sector, holding technical and managerial positions locally and abroad.
With his industry background, the former Ortorie/Mayaro MP 2002-1007 served a petrocracy under geologists where his friendly personality transcended two partisan PNM regimes In 2002 -2005 he was minister of Works and Transport In 2015 he was minister of Rural development and Local government and entered the Energy Ministry in 2016. He embarked on the first large-scale renewable energy project. Leading Government Business in the Senate, he survived a recent Opposition no-confidence motion , defending restructuring of collapsed SOC Petrotrin which sparked an economic disaster, with thousands of job losses. PNM party chairman for ten years., he was preparing to place the refinery on the open market after three failed bids by the militant Oilfield Workers Trade Union, He was leading the investigation into the explosion and fire at the new NiQuan Energy in Point Lisas, another incident undermining confidence in Local Content policy.
Colleagues praised his work ethic and knowledge of the oil business to which he was committed.
Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said,
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Franklin Khan, Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs. Mr Khan dedicated much of his life in service to his country, and his contributions over a period of almost two decades as a Member of Parliament, a Minister of Government in varying capacities in two PNM administrations and as a Senator, are laudable. On behalf of the United National Congress and my own behalf, I offer sincere condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Mr Franklin Khan. I pray they can find peace and comfort during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
Opposition Mayaro MP Rushton Paray paid tribute .
“Throughout his years in public service he retained great affinity to… Mayaro, Guayaguayare and surrounding areas. We … held contrasting positions on national development, but I appreciated Mr Khan’s public service and his loyalty to the community of his birth.”
Former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine was “saddened” by Khan’s passing.
“In recent times we had developed a cordial relationship. I offer my condolences and sympathy to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.”
Following a heart attack Khan underwent triple heart bypass surgery in 2017. He received the Astra Zeneca vaccine on 13 April.
Virtual condolence book for
Franklin Khan
Tributes can be posted on a virtual condolence book on the website of the Ministry of Energy. www.energy.gov.tt website for expressions of sympathy in honour of former energy minister Franklin Khan.